About Barnardos
In 1867, Dr Thomas Barnardo opened his first Dr Barnardo’s Home in the East End of London to provide food, shelter and education for destitute children. Three years later he opened his first home for boys in Stepney Causeway and around this time people in New Zealand began giving money to support his efforts. His work progressed rapidly – by the time of his death in 1905, there were 112 district homes throughout the United Kingdom.
In the 1960s, Barnardos supporters in New Zealand looked closer to home to see Kiwi children with needs not met. In 1969 Barnardos New Zealand was incorporated under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957. Three years later, Barnardos New Zealand opened its first service in Mangere, which included a childcare centre, on-site social workers and housing for mothers and their children. The Mangere site still exists as an early learning centre and Barnardos New Zealand has progressed from these beginnings to provide child and family services, early childhood education and care, and residential and foster care in more than 80 locations throughout New Zealand.
Through our child and family services, we help thousands of children, young people and families each year, with services such as parenting courses, family support, counselling and supervised contact. We also work directly with children who have experienced family violence, provide residential and foster care, and support 0800 What’s Up, New Zealand’s largest dedicated child helpline. Demand for our services is high and we’re only able to deliver the range of services we do because of the generosity of our supporters.
Our early childhood care and education is delivered through early learning centres and by our in-home KidStart educators across New Zealand. We are passionate about the importance of early childhood education that supports the positive development of children. We encourage and support parents to be actively involved in their child’s education, and through these services we are also able to offer vital social support to those who need it
Our advocacy work is a key part of ensuring good outcomes for children in New Zealand. Every day, our staff advocate on behalf of children to make sure their interests are prioritised and their families are supported to get the help they need. At a national level, we advocate on policy affecting children and seek to inform public opinion, and we’re part of the Every Child Counts coalition.
Our work is informed by our guiding principle, Ko Ngā Tamariki I Te Tuatahi, Children Come First, and our vision Ki Aotearoa nei he taonga te tamaiti, me āna manako ki te whanake - In Aotearoa New Zealand childhood is valued and each child’s hope and potential are nurtured. Our work is also guided by our values - integrity, respect, success and passion.
In the 1960s, Barnardos supporters in New Zealand looked closer to home to see Kiwi children with needs not met. In 1969 Barnardos New Zealand was incorporated under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957. Three years later, Barnardos New Zealand opened its first service in Mangere, which included a childcare centre, on-site social workers and housing for mothers and their children. The Mangere site still exists as an early learning centre and Barnardos New Zealand has progressed from these beginnings to provide child and family services, early childhood education and care, and residential and foster care in more than 80 locations throughout New Zealand.
Through our child and family services, we help thousands of children, young people and families each year, with services such as parenting courses, family support, counselling and supervised contact. We also work directly with children who have experienced family violence, provide residential and foster care, and support 0800 What’s Up, New Zealand’s largest dedicated child helpline. Demand for our services is high and we’re only able to deliver the range of services we do because of the generosity of our supporters.
Our early childhood care and education is delivered through early learning centres and by our in-home KidStart educators across New Zealand. We are passionate about the importance of early childhood education that supports the positive development of children. We encourage and support parents to be actively involved in their child’s education, and through these services we are also able to offer vital social support to those who need it
Our advocacy work is a key part of ensuring good outcomes for children in New Zealand. Every day, our staff advocate on behalf of children to make sure their interests are prioritised and their families are supported to get the help they need. At a national level, we advocate on policy affecting children and seek to inform public opinion, and we’re part of the Every Child Counts coalition.
Our work is informed by our guiding principle, Ko Ngā Tamariki I Te Tuatahi, Children Come First, and our vision Ki Aotearoa nei he taonga te tamaiti, me āna manako ki te whanake - In Aotearoa New Zealand childhood is valued and each child’s hope and potential are nurtured. Our work is also guided by our values - integrity, respect, success and passion.
Our strategic plan
In March 2013, we published the strategic plan that will guide our work from 2013 to 2016.Barnardos New Zealand is a society registered under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957, and is registered as a charitable entity under the Charities Act 2005 with the Charities Commission.
Contact us:
0800 227 627
General enquiries
0800 422 762
Childcare enquiries
0800 942 8787
Free children's helpline
0800 005 437
Fundraising enquiries
Testimonials
Fundraising
"It is very disquieting just how many New Zealand children are born into a hostile world of deprivation and abuse. That is why I have included Barnardos in my Will, to help them in their work of giving such children a chance in life."
- Rena Dalley, Bequestor
